Dennis PaSamba Dance Company
Couple listening to songs for their first dance

Song choice

How to Choose a First Dance Song

Couples usually pick a song for the words. Pick for the beat first, then check the words, and the dance gets much easier.

Tempo first

Clap along. If the claps feel slow and swaying, it is a slow song. If you are clapping at a brisk walking pace, it is a faster song. That decides the style.

  • Slow song: bachata or a sway
  • Faster song: salsa

Lyrics second

Once the tempo works, read the full lyrics. Some love songs have verses about breakups. Then play it once in the room where you will dance, if you can, to hear how it sounds.

Questions people ask

Can we bring two songs to choose between?

Yes. We try both in the first lesson and pick the one that moves better.

Visit the studio

Dennis PaSamba Dance Company

4820 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60641

Six Corners · Portage Park · Irving Park

dennispasamba.com · Text/Call 717-PASAMBA ((717) 727-2622)

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What Chicago dancers are saying

5.0 from 1,000+ Google reviews

Chicago dancers rate Dennis PaSamba Dance Company for beginner-friendly salsa, bachata and kizomba classes on Irving Park Road.

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